Introduction:
In the spring of 2024, the Northfield School Board voted to renovate the Northfield High School. Since the school district is using bonds to pay for the renovations, the project needs approval from voters. The renovation project has been split up into three separate ballot questions. Question 1 is the base-level renovation of the school, while questions 2 and 3 would be additional add-ons.
Question Text:
- Question 1: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 659 (Northfield Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $95,380,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, replacing a portion of the high school building with new construction, renovations, improvements, and upgrades to the high school building, facilities, site, and systems, and purchasing equipment and furnishings? BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
- Question 2: If School District Question 1 above is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 659 (Northfield Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $18,725,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, the construction of an expanded gymnasium at the high school? BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
- Question 3: If School District Question 1 and School District Question 2 above are approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 659 (Northfield Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,975,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, the construction and installation of a geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system at the high school? BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
SUMMARY
Written by Northfield Public Schools
If Question 1 passes, the plan includes a 120,000-square-foot multi-story classroom addition. It involves strategically demolishing the D, H, M and S wings (102,000 square feet) and renovating the remainder of the existing square footage. Cost: $95.38 million.
If Question 2 passes (contingent on Question 1 passing), the plan features a gymnasium addition big enough for four full-sized basketball courts. It would dramatically improve indoor physical education, athletic and community recreation access. Cost: $18.725 million.
If Question 3 passes (contingent on Questions 1 and 2 passing), the plan includes installing a geothermal system to heat and cool the building. Cost: $6.975 million.
What Your Vote Will Do
Written by the KYMN News Staff
Question 1
A YES VOTE would result in renovating a significant portion of the Northfield High School, focusing primarily on the high school’s classrooms.
It would address issues in the school, like safety concerns (too many doors, sufficient storm shelters), updates to classrooms and science labs, and improvements in heating and cooling.
It would increase school district property taxes.
Question 2
A YES VOTE would expand the high school’s athletic facilities, including enough space for Varsity Sports and Physical Education Classes in the winter.
It would increase school district property taxes.
Question 3
A YES VOTE would install a geothermal system to heat and cool the high school.
This is projected to lower the school district’s utility bill and free up more general funds for teaching.
It would increase school district property taxes.
Question 1
A NO VOTE would result in no renovations or expansions of the high school. It would also prevent questions 2 or 3 from being implemented.
Current facility issues would not be addressed, and district officials believe that this will get worse in future years, requiring more of the general fund to go to facilities instead of teaching.
It would keep school district property taxes at the current rate.
Question 2
A NO VOTE would result in no renovation or expansion of the high school’s athletic facilities. It would also prevent question 3 from being implemented.
Question 3
A NO VOTE would result in no installation of a geothermal system and use the current facilities system for heating and cooling.
FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
Data provided by Northfield Public Schools
Total Cost
- Question 1 cost: $95.28 million
- Question 2 cost: $18.725 million
- Question 3 cost: $6.975 million
- No vote: there would be no property tax increase. However, current facilities issues would not be addressed. Leading to future costs, likely higher maintenance costs, for the school district.
Tax Increase Impact
For a home valued at $200,000, taxes would increase by:
- Question 1: $152 per year ($13 monthly)
- Question 2: $39 per year ($3 monthly)
- Question 3: $15 per year ($1 monthly)
- Total (if all three questions pass): $206 per year ($17 monthly)
For a home valued at $350,000, taxes would increase by:
- Question 1: $307 per year ($26 monthly)
- Question 2: $77 per year ($6 monthly)
- Question 3: $29 per year ($2 monthly)
- Total (if all three questions pass): $413 per year ($34 monthly)
For a home valued at $500,000, taxes would increase by:
- Question 1: $471 per year ($39 monthly)
- Question 2: $115 per year ($10 monthly)
- Question 3: $43 per year ($4 monthly)
- Total (if all three questions pass): $629 per year ($52 monthly)
See the full table of taxes – Click Here
WHAT THE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES ARE SAYING
Answers are from the KYMN Election Guide and have been shortened.
IN FAVOR:
Amy Goerwitz:
“I support the referendum 100%. To attract new residents, we need to show that we care about our schools. To provide a top-quality education, we need to update the high school, our flagship school.”
Maggie Epstein:
“I am in favor of all three questions put forth in the 2024 Referendum. I closely observed the process as the district and board worked with experts in school construction to develop the current proposal. I believe it is a fair proposal that can and should be supported by the community.
Claudia Gonzalez-George:
“As a current board member, I worked on and voted to send this referendum to our voters. I hope all three questions pass, but I absolutely need Q1 to pass. The HS needs updates and many students, staff, and parents agree. The high school has needed updates for a long time and while we have not neglected it, there are some needs such as HVAC and insulation that our Long Term Facility Maintenance fund cannot pay for on its own.”
Corey Butler:
“I am an emphatic three yeses to support these bond questions. It’s time.”
NEUTRAL:
Tristian Cox:
“It is clear that we as a community need to invest in Northfield High School as we have for the past 6 decades and it will truly take a community effort to ensure we are able to secure resources in an equitably and sustainably now and in the future.”
AGAINST:
Iris Lee:
“The potential benefits of investing 95$ million of taxpayer money in a new high school have been very well advertised, but I don’t believe the district has sufficiently explained to residents the alternative options, as well as the financial burdens on future generations of taxpayers. Northfield taxpayers have already seen their property taxes increase by 45% in the last three years.”
Andreas (Andy) Thurnheer:
“The current High School “reimagine” needs refinement and competitive input by another architectural firm with engineers to develop a final project the taxpayer can afford. The infrastructure needs to be adapted to climate change and soaring energy costs. All seven school buildings will need long-term energy and real comfort improvements. Defining long term guidelines and policy changes will guide how to move towards the community’s “net zero” goals. Northfield is at a crossroad. It will take a joint effort with input from the superintendent, board, educators and community to find the most efficient, affordable rebuild of the High School”
Want to learn more about the renovation project? Visit one of the school district’s public events; find the schedule here.
